Research Opportunities in Immokalee
The Isabel Collier Read Medical Campus in Immokalee, Florida, offers a unique environment for medical and health-related research focused on underserved and rural populations. Students interested in gaining hands-on experience in community-based research are encouraged to explore opportunities available through this campus. Student housing is available, making it convenient for students to live and work in the community during their research experience.
Each year, medical students participate in research at the Immokalee campus through the Summer Research Fellowship Program , which provides structured mentorship and support for student-led research projects. In addition to summer opportunities, there are also research experiences available during years 2 and 3, particularly for students who complete required and/or elective rotations at the Immokalee campus. These opportunities allow students to integrate research with their clinical training in a meaningful and impactful way.
Below are current research opportunities available at the Immokalee campus:
Childhood Trauma and Resilience in Underserved Communities
This opportunity focuses on research related to childhood trauma, toxic stress, and resilience in rural and underserved populations. Students may engage in projects involving:
- Development and evaluation of trauma-informed care practices
- Community-based interventions for children and families
- Culturally responsive health education and outreach
Faculty Mentors:Javier Rosado, PhD ( javier.rosado@med.fsu.edu ) & Lisandra Torres-Aponte ( lisandra.torres@med.fsu.edu )
Childhood Obesity
This opportunity focuses on research related to childhood obesity among underserved pediatric populations. Students may engage in projects involving:
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of obesity interventions
- Causes and contributing factors to childhood obesity
- Risk factors for childhood obesity
- Relationship between obesity and mental health
Faculty Mentor:Javier Rosado, PhD ( javier.rosado@med.fsu.edu )
Culturally Appropriate Behavioral Health Research
This research opportunity centers on culturally appropriate care and practices with multicultural populations, particularly Haitian Creole-speaking immigrant communities in the U.S. Areas of focus include:
- Adaptation and validation of behavioral health screening tools
- Cultural-specific behavioral health responses to trauma and adversity
- Clinical health psychology in primary care settings
Faculty Mentor:Dr. Jean K. Mesidor ( jean.mesidor@med.fsu.edu )
Geriatric Health and Clinical Practice Innovation
This opportunity involves research with geriatric populations in Southwest Florida, with a focus on:
- Aging and chronic disease management
- Development of clinical practices across healthcare settings
- Evidence-based approaches to geriatric care
Faculty Mentor:Dr. Michael Gloth ( michael.gloth@med.fsu.edu )
Arts in Health
This opportunity involves research with pediatric populations and arts in health intervention, with a focus on:
- Understanding how arts in health can help improve health outcomes
- Evaluating the effectiveness of art programming in healthcare setting
- Designing and implementing arts in health programs and interventions
Faculty Mentor:Javier Rosado, PhD ( javier.rosado@med.fsu.edu )
Maternal Health
This opportunity involves research with maternal health, with a focus on:
- Understanding how ACEs impact chronic health conditions and maternal mental health
- Understanding how ACEs impact childbirth outcome
Faculty Mentor:Lisandra Torres-Aponte (lisandra.torres@med.fsu.edu )
Maternal Health & Resiliency
This opportunity involves research with maternal health and resiliency, with a focus on:
- Measuring resiliency in expectant Latina mothers
- Understanding generational differences in maternal health and resiliency levels
- Understanding how arts in health can help improve health outcomes
- Evaluating the effectiveness of art and stress management interventions un a group of mothers.
Faculty Mentor:Lisandra Torres-Aponte (lisandra.torres@med.fsu.edu )